Organisers of the world's leading property festival have announced new measures for delegates at this year's event in response to growing fears over a global coronavirus pandemic.
At the time of writing, MIPIM said the festival taking place in Cannes next month is set to go ahead - but that the hosts are "monitoring the situation very closely and following local and national travel and health guidelines".
A statement posted to MIPIM's website said the health and safety of its exhibitors, visitors and staff was the "number one priority".
It added: "We are closely following the latest guidance from local and national authorities and the World Health Organization as it relates to travel to and participation in MIPIM.
"We are also working with local authorities and the Palais des Festivals venue in Cannes to put in place measures and will follow up as the situation evolves."
Almost 27,000 delegates are expected at MIPIM 2020, set to take place from March 10-13. The festival sees officials from all sectors of the international property industry come together for networking, events, conferences and more.
Under a statement entitled 'MIPIM will run as scheduled', the festival has announced it is taking six new measures in light of the coronavirus outbreak.
They will be:
- To introduce communication prior to the event and onsite (signage, training of all staff) of World Health Organization recommendations over hand and respiratory hygiene.
- "Strengthened collaboration" with local partners - airports, hotels and the city of Cannes - to ensure vigilance and health and safety processes.
- A reinforced onsite medical team at the venue.
- Increased standards of hygiene and cleanliness in the venue.
- Additional support to exhibitors who wish to adopt specific measures for their booths.
- Regular updates on its website to provide customers with the latest information.
It was reported on Monday that there are growing fears over a coronavirus pandemic after a fifth person died in Italy. The country has now locked down towns, cancelled Venice Carnival events and disinfected boats and gondolas.
The UK has four new cases - bringing the total to 13 - after Britons rescued from the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan tested positive for the flu-like virus.
There has also been a rapid spread of cases in South Korea and Iran.
The MIPIM statement said customers who wish to participate in MIPIM and are not impacted by travel restrictions are free to do so.
Travel advice and entry guidelines varies from country to country. MIPIM attendees are encouraged to check the latest travel advice and entry guidelines for the country to which they wish to travel before making arrangements. Several countries have imposed travel restrictions to and from mainland China.
In France, a specific reception service for travellers is set up at Roissy Charles de Gaulle (Paris) airport for flights from China, Hong Kong and Macao. This reception is provided by approved civil security association personnel, in conjunction with the airport medical service and reinforced by medical and paramedical professionals from the health reserve of the Ministry of Health.
